hi, does anyone know how to get the backs off the folding mirrors, for maintenance, the drivers side one doesn't fold in all the way without helping it with my hand, thanks for any replies

I popped mine off looking at the rear of the mirror with a very small flat screwdriver underneath the bottom of the rounded part, should be quite easy, then spray plenty of penetrating fluid over the mechanism, then wriggle back and forward, Ideally then have an assistant to move the mirror into position when you press the button just to help it until it moves freely, once moving freely I sprayed some white grease over the mechanism before refitting the cover to keep it clear and lubed 

cheers kieth, i will give that a try.

The powerfolds suffer from dis-similar metal corrosion at the pivot bearing and once freed off as per Keith's advice above, can do with an occasional spray of lithium grease into the pivot (no need to remove the covers) plus operating them frequently.

 I know I've said this before, but having them setup to extend and retract automatically when the car is locked and unlocked really does keep them moving freely.

12 hours ago, Raistlin said:

The powerfolds suffer from dis-similar metal corrosion at the pivot bearing and once freed off as per Keith's advice above, can do with an occasional spray of lithium grease into the pivot (no need to remove the covers) plus operating them frequently.

 I know I've said this before, but having them setup to extend and retract automatically when the car is locked and unlocked really does keep them moving freely.

Care is needed in this weather if left on auto fold that they don't freeze up over night and the motor burns out trying to unfold them

Hi Paul

Thats a good point you made there and sound advice .

Frank

 

yea, you wouldn't want them working off the key then in freezing weather?

13 minutes ago, dekse said:

yea, you wouldn't want them working off the key then in freezing weather?

Thousands of cars have them fitted as standard without a problem Derek, including the later Jaguars. I appreciate the possibility but, properly maintained I'm not sure there would be a problem.

I had them on my Rover 75 and that has been out in temperatures of lower than 10 degrees Celsius without them ever failing.

yes, your right after all paul,  thinking about it, if the car is frozen up, you would probably pour some warm water over the mirrors anyway, as you would if your door was stuck solid with ice,

Mind you, as I said above, it is a possibility so something at least to think about I have a switch concealed in the driver's door which disables the function, mainly because i sometimes have to park VERY close to a wall on the nearside, but if I thought it was going to get very cold it would be prudent to flip the switch.

Edited January 31, 20169 yr by Raistlin
unsplitting the split infinitive.

On 31/01/2016 at 7:13 PM, Raistlin said:

Thousands of cars have them fitted as standard without a problem Derek, including the later Jaguars. I appreciate the possibility but, properly maintained I'm not sure there would be a problem.

I had them on my Rover 75 and that has been out in temperatures of lower than 10 degrees Celsius without them ever failing.

Please don't remind me of the powerfolds on my ZT!

why's that then si'?

They were hopeless!